Last month fellow enthusiasts Fantha Tracks reported that Billy Dee Williams would be returning to the galaxy far, far away to play Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode IX. After the initial Fantha Tracks report, rumors continued swirling when Williams backed out of an upcoming convention appearance.

Sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter that Williams will indeed be returning to the Star Warsbig screen for the first time since 1983’s Return of the Jedi. The character made his suave debut in Empire Strikes Back.

Excitement around Williams’ possible return has been huge the past few months, and I’m looking forward to seeing what J.J. Abrams has in store for the infamously suave character.

Episode IX begins filming at the end of this month and opens in theaters Dec. 20th, 2019.